Wonthaggi - Inverloch

Wonthaggi - Inverloch lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Wonthaggi-Inverloch's population is 29,593 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 2,801 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 26,792. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 29,334 in June 2025 and 1,118 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. Wonthaggi-Inverloch's growth of 10.5% since 2021 exceeded Rest of Vic.'s 4.3%, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85.6% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, they use Vic State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections indicate exceptional growth in the area, with an expected increase of 12,967 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 42.9% over the 16-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Wonthaggi - Inverloch was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Wonthaggi-Inverloch averaged approximately 415 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 2,077 homes were approved, with an additional 209 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed over the past five financial years accommodates about 1.9 new residents annually.

This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is around $341,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $167.2 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Wonthaggi-Inverloch exhibits elevated construction activity, with a 35.0% increase per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development primarily consists of standalone homes (95.0%) and medium to high-density housing (5.0%), preserving the area's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. The location currently has approximately 91 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Wonthaggi-Inverloch will add around 12,707 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth; however, buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 34 projects that may impact the area. Notable ones include Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, Northern Views Estate, Summerfields Estate, and Wonthaggi Hospital Stage 2 Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Wonthaggi - Inverloch has been broadly consistent with national averages

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% as of December 2021. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.9%.

As of December 2025, there are 12,915 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is 0.2% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 53.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 18.2% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Manufacturing is under-represented at 5.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2021, employment increased by 5.9% while labour force increased by 5.3%, leading to a unemployment rate fall of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, and unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wonthaggi-Inverloch's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Wonthaggi-Inverloch SA2's median income among taxpayers was $45,791 and average income stood at $57,424 in financial year 2023, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compared to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $50,196 (median) and $62,948 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Wonthaggi-Inverloch all fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $400-$799 earnings band captures 27.0% of the community (7,990 individuals), differing from regional levels where the $1500-$2999 category predominates at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wonthaggi - Inverloch, as per the latest Census, 92.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional Vic., where 90.1% were houses and 9.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthaggi - Inverloch stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented dwellings at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,467, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Wonthaggi - Inverloch was $298, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.5% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 33.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 20.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.9%). A total of 24.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.3% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has 134 active public transport stops serviced by 11 routes, providing 438 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically 416 meters from the nearest stop, with accessibility rated moderate. Most residents commute outward using cars (93%), while 4% walk. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 18.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 62 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per stop.

The map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Wonthaggi - Inverloch is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Wonthaggi-Inverloch faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~14,086 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.6 and 9.3% of residents respectively, while 60.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.9% of residents aged 65 and over (8,842 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Wonthaggi-Inverloch had a cultural diversity score below average, with 84.7% of its population born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.6% of the population. While Judaism's representation was similar to Regional Vic., there were notable differences in ancestry: English (32.8%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (9.4%) were the top groups.

Dutch (2.5%), Italian (4.1%), and Irish (9.3%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.7%, 2.9%, and 9.7% respectively.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wonthaggi-Inverloch's median age is 50, surpassing Regional Victoria's figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 16.9%, higher than Regional Vic.'s percentage and well above the national 9.4%. The 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group rose from 8.3% to 9.3%, while the 45 to 54 group fell from 11.8% to 10.5% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 15.9% to 14.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate a significant shift in Wonthaggi-Inverloch's age profile, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to increase by 2,074 people (74%), reaching 4,877 from an initial 2,802.